Composite fuel pump cartridge and fuel tank assembly

ABSTRACT

A fuel tank assembly comprising a fuel tank having a plurality of walls spaced apart by a floor, a flange having a top portion and a bottom portion, and extending downward from one of the plurality of walls, is provided. The fuel tank assembly further includes a housing, a crimp ring and a lip, wherein the crimp ring is fitted over the lip for engaging the flange and the housing. A fuel pump is housed within the housing, wherein the housing is arranged to fixedly position at least one inlet connected to the fuel pump at or in close proximity to the floor of the fuel tank. A fuel reservoir extends away from the floor having at least one passage formed therein, the fuel reservoir being positioned within the fuel tank so as to create an accumulated area of the fuel tank surrounding the at least one inlet, wherein fuel enters the accumulated area through the at least one passage for receipt by the at least one inlet.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to fuel tank assemblies and moreparticularly to a composite fuel pump with an integrated flange andhousing within a fuel tank assembly for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In automotive vehicles, a fuel pump is typically disposed within a fueltank assembly. The fuel pump draws fuel from the fuel tank through thefuel lines for supply to the engine. Known fuel tanks utilize mountedfuel pumps having an inlet arranged to receive fuel from a separatelyconstructed reservoir tank arranged within the fuel tank, i.e. a tankwithin a tank. Such arrangements use supplemental pumps that arearranged to transfer fuel from the fuel tank to the reservoir tank, thusrequiring additional mechanical energy. Consequently, such fuel tankassemblies utilizing fuel pumps tend to be more costly to assemble anddifficult to access for service.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A fuel pump draws fuel from the fuel tank, usually located in the rearof a vehicle, through fuel lines that run the length of the vehicle tothe engine's injection system. The fuel pump disclosed herein is anelectric fuel pump that is located inside the fuel tank. The fuel pumpcontains a direct current (DC) motor with an impeller mounted on the endof the motor shaft. A cover is mounted over the impeller, having inletand discharge ports. When the armature rotates, thus rotating theimpeller, fuel is moved from the fuel tank and into the inlet port ofthe fuel pump. The impeller grooves force the fuel out of the fuel pump,through the discharge port.

A fuel pump is located within the fuel tank to aid in keeping the fuelpump cool during operation, and aid in ensuring the fuel line ispressurized to prevent premature fuel evaporation. The pump is housedwithin a housing and enclosed by a fuel filter. The housing is engagedto a flange that fits within a cavity of the fuel tank located within aside wall or the top of the fuel tank. The top portion is locatedoutside the fuel tank, and the bottom portion extends within the fueltank.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is to provide a fueltank assembly comprising a fuel tank having a plurality of walls spacedapart by a floor. A flange extends downward from one of the plurality ofwalls. The flange may extend at an angle toward the floor, or extendfrom the top of the fuel tank toward the floor. A fuel pump extends fromthe flange; and the fuel pump and flange are arranged to fixedlyposition at least one inlet connected to the fuel pump at or in closeproximity to the floor of the fuel tank. A filter surrounds the fuelpump for filtering the fuel, and a housing encompasses both the pump andfilter. The fuel pump includes at least one inlet for drawing fuel intothe housing, and the inlet is engaged to a suction filter for filteringthe gas prior to entering the inlet. The flange is engaged to thehousing by way of a crimp ring that is fitted over a lip, forming anengaged arrangement.

A fuel reservoir located within the fuel tank extends away from thefloor and has at least one passage formed therein. The fuel reservoir ispositioned within the fuel tank so as to create an accumulated areasurrounding the at least one inlet. Fuel enters the accumulated areathrough the at least one passage and is received by the at least oneinlet by way of the suction filter. Optionally, a channel is formedwithin the fuel reservoir for receiving at least one inlet from the fuelpump.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a fuelpump assembly comprises a flange having a top portion and a bottomportion, and extending downward from one of the plurality of walls. Thefuel pump assembly includes a housing, a crimp ring and a lip, whereinthe crimp ring is fitted over the lip for engaging the flange and thehousing. A fuel pump is housed within the housing, wherein the housingis arranged to fixedly position at least one inlet at or in closeproximity to the floor of the fuel tank.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the fuel tankassembly includes a fuel pump having at least one inlet for receivingfuel, the at least one inlet being in fluid communication with the pump.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the fueltank assembly includes a suction filter having an internal frame forshaping the suction filter into a predetermined form, wherein thesuction filter is positioned to be at or in close proximity to the floorof the fuel tank, the suction filter being in fluid communication withthe at least one inlet of the housing.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the fueltank assembly includes a housing enclosing a fuel filter disposed aroundthe fuel pump, wherein the fuel filter forms the inner wall of the fuelfilter.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the fueltank assembly includes an o-ring engaged to the flange for providing asecure fit between the flange and housing.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the fueltank assembly includes a pressure regulator mounted to the housing forregulating the pressure within the fuel filter.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the fueltank assembly includes a fuel reservoir extending away from the floorhaving at least one passage formed therein, the fuel reservoirpositioned within the fuel tank so as to create an accumulated area ofthe fuel tank surrounding the at least one inlet, wherein fuel entersthe accumulated area through the at least one passage for receipt by theat least one inlet of the housing.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a fueltank assembly includes a fuel tank having a plurality of walls spacedapart by a floor, a flange having a top portion and a bottom portion,and extending downward from one of the plurality of walls. The fuel tankassembly includes a housing, a crimp ring and a lip, wherein the crimpring is fitted over the lip for engaging the flange and the housing. Afuel pump is housed within the housing, wherein the housing is arrangedto fixedly position at least one inlet at or in close proximity to thefloor of the fuel tank, and a fuel reservoir extends away from the floorhaving at least one passage formed therein, the fuel reservoirpositioned within the fuel tank so as to create an accumulated area ofthe fuel tank surrounding the at least one inlet, wherein fuel entersthe accumulated area through the at least one passage for receipt by theat least one inlet.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the fueltank assembly includes the fuel reservoir having a predetermined heightrelative to the floor that decreases along a path of the fuel reservoirdefining the enclosed area, wherein the predetermined height becomingnegligible prior to the fuel reservoir reaching one of the plurality ofwalls.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the fueltank includes the accumulated area and comprises a corner between two ofthe plurality of walls with the fuel reservoir extending between the twowalls.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the fueltank assembly includes a channel positioned in the fuel reservoir.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the fueltank assembly includes a fuel tank having a plurality of walls spacedapart by a floor, and a flange having a top portion and a bottomportion, and extending downward from one of the plurality of walls. Thefuel tank assembly further includes a housing a crimp ring and a lip,wherein crimp ring is fitted over the lip for engaging the flange andthe housing, and a fuel pump housed within the housing, wherein thehousing is arranged to fixedly position at least one inlet at or inclose proximity to the floor of the fuel tank. At least one suctionfilter is positioned on the at least one inlet for filtering the fuelbefore introduction into the fuel pump, and a fuel reservoir extendsaway from the floor having at least one passage formed therein. The fuelreservoir is positioned within the fuel tank so as to create anaccumulated area of the fuel tank surrounding the at least one suctionfilter inlet, wherein fuel enters the accumulated area through the atleast one passage for receipt by the at least one suction filter.

According to yet another embodiment, a fuel tank assembly includes thefuel pump extending from a top wall of the fuel tank.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a fueltank assembly includes the fuel pump extending at an angle downward fromone of the plurality of walls.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the crimpring is located on the flange and the lip is located on the housing.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the crimpring is located on the housing and the lip is located on the flange.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated and described herein with referenceto the various drawings, in which like reference numbers denote likemethod steps and/or system components, respectively, and in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a composite fuel tank assemblyaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an alternative placement of a fuel pump cartridge assemblyaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of one embodiment of a fuel tank assemblyaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of one embodiment of a composite fuel pumpassembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows another side view of one embodiment of a composite fuelpump assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows another side view of one embodiment of the composite fuelpump assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows another side view of one embodiment of the composite fuelpump assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of acomposite fuel pump assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a fuel tank assembly having a fuelreservoir according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a fuel tank assembly having a fuelreservoir according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the fuel tankassembly having a fuel reservoir according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a fuel tank assembly 10 according to an exemplaryembodiment is shown, including a fuel pump assembly. The fuel pumpassembly includes a flange 12, a housing 14, a fuel pressure regulator16, and a suction filter 18. The flange 12 has a top portion and abottom portion, and is further positioned on a wall of a fuel tank 20.The flange 12 can be positioned on a side wall of fuel tank 20 within awall cavity 22 that is arranged to be adjacent to a vehicle exteriormember (not shown) when the fuel tank assembly 10 is installed in avehicle chassis (not shown). This arrangement enables the fuel tankassembly 10 to be accessed simply by removing, for example, a rearquarter panel (not shown) of a vehicle.

In another arrangement, as shown in FIG. 2, the flange 12 can bepositioned on the top wall of the fuel tank 20. This arrangement enablesthe fuel tank assembly 10 to be accessed simply be removing, forexample, an access panel (not shown) of a vehicle located under a rearseat bottom.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the fuel tank assembly 10 comprises the flange12 that fits within the wall cavity 22 of the fuel tank 20 (asillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2), an optional electrical connected 24 thatmay be engaged to the flange 12, a housing 14, a fuel pump 26, a fuelfilter 28, a grommet 30 to seal the pump to the housing 14, a pressureregulator 16, and suction filter 18. The electrical connector 24 may beengaged with the flange 12 for providing the requisite electricity topower the fuel pump 26. In one embodiment, neither the electricalconnector 24 nor flange 12 is pressurized. Alternatively, an end of thefuel pump 26 may extend from within the flange 12 to receive power froman external source for operation, whereby the fuel pump 26 is sealed tothe flange 12 with o-rings (not shown). Alternatively, the electricalconnector 24 and the flange 12 may be pressurized.

The fuel filter 28 surrounds the fuel pump 26 for filtering the fuel,wherein the outer housing of the fuel pump 26 performs a secondaryfunction as the inner wall of the fuel filter 28. This arrangementallows the elimination of an inner filter wall of the fuel filter 28.The housing 14 houses the fuel pump 26 and filter 28. A grommet 30 isused to securely retain the fuel pump 26 within the housing 14. Thegrommet 30 fits within a recess in the housing 14 having a diameterslightly larger than the diameter of the grommet 30. The grommet 30 hasa diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the fuel pump 26,allowing the fuel pump 26 to be positioned within the grommet 30. Thegrommet 30 fits within the recess, and the fuel pump 26 fits within thegrommet 30, thus preventing the fuel pump 26 from moving within thehousing 14.

In one exemplary embodiment, the flange 12 includes a crimp ring 36located on the periphery of the bottom portion of the flange 12. Thecrimp ring 36 may entirely cover the entire periphery of the bottomportion of the flange 12. Alternatively, the crimp ring 36 may bearranged in sections (not shown) upon the periphery of the bottomportion of the flange 12. Specifically, the crimp ring 36 may becomposed of multiple spaced apart crimp rings 36 located around theperiphery of the bottom portion of the flange 12 (not shown). Thepurpose of the crimp ring 36 is to engage the flange 12 with the housing14.

The housing 14 includes a lip 38 located on the upper portion of thehousing 14. The crimp ring 36 is designed to be fitted over the lip 38of the housing, creating an engaged arrangement between the flange 12and housing 14. The crimp ring 36 is fitted over the entire area of thelip 38 or a portion of the lip 38, forming a single, solitaryarrangement. This arrangement is designed to form a solid, substantiallyleak prevention seal that prevents the intrusion of the gas within theassembly 10. The flange 12, housing 14, crimp ring 36, and lip 38 may becomposed of stainless steel, or other metal, wherein the crimp ring 36and lip 38 may be laser welded together to form an engaged arrangement.

Alternatively, this exemplary embodiment also allows dissimilarmaterials to be joined together to form the flange 12 and housing 14arrangement. For example, the flange 12 may be composed of stainlesssteel, or other type of suitable steel, while the housing 14 is composedof plastic. The stainless steel crimp ring 36 may be formed over theplastic lip 38 of the housing 14, forming a single, solitary arrangementof the flange 12 and housing 14 that are composed of dissimilarmaterials. In another exemplary embodiment, any type of metal orcomposite material may compose the flange 12 and crimp ring 36, which isengaged to the housing 14 and lip 38 composed of plastic or a compositematerial. In still yet another exemplary embodiment, the housing 14 maybe made of plastic or a composite material, and the lip 38 may becomposed of another material, such as a metal, while the housing 14 iscomposed of a separate material, such as plastic. In still yet anotherexemplary embodiment, the crimp ring 36 may be plastic, and the lip 38composed of steel or similar metal. In still yet another exemplaryembodiment, the crimp ring 36 may be plastic and the lip 38 composed ofplastic.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated inFIG. 4. In this embodiment, the flange 112 comprises a lip 138, forreceiving a crimp ring 136 located on the top portion of the housing114. The housing 114 includes a crimp ring 136 located on the upperportion of the housing 114. The crimp ring 136 is designed to be fittedover the lip 138 of the flange 112, creating an engaged arrangementbetween the flange 112 and housing 114. The crimp ring 136 is fittedover the entire area of the lip 138 or a portion of the lip 138, forminga single, solitary arrangement. This arrangement is designed to form asolid, substantially leak preventing seal that prevents the intrusion ofthe gas within the housing 114. In addition, an o-ring 144 may beengaged to the flange 112 for providing a secure fit between the flange112 and housing 114, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG.6 and is a derivation of FIGS. 4 and 5. This particular embodimentincludes a second lip 252 located upon the upper portion of the housing214. The flange 212 is engaged to the housing by way of a crimp ring236. The crimp ring 236 is fitted over the lip 238 of the flange 212 andthe lip 252 of the housing 214. An o-ring 244 is optionally engaged tothe flange for providing a secure fit between the housing 214 and flange212.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 7.This embodiment includes a flange 312 comprising a lip 338, forreceiving a crimp ring 336. The crimp ring 336 is designed to engage theflange 312. The crimp ring 336 is designed to be fitted over the lip 338of the flange 312, creating an engaged arrangement between the flange312. The crimp ring 336 is fitted over the entire area of the lip 338 ora portion of the lip 338, forming a single, solitary arrangement.Alternatively, the flange 312 may include a crimp ring for being fittedover a lip located on the housing.

In this embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 7, the flange 312 may consistof an upper portion 346 and a lower portion 348. The upper portion 346comprises a second lip 352, for receiving a second crimp ring 354located on the lower portion 348. The lower portion 348 includes asecond crimp ring 354 for engaging the flange 312 to the housing 314.The second crimp ring 354 is designed to be fitted over the second lip352 of the flange 312, creating an engaged arrangement between theflange 312 and housing 314. The second crimp ring 354 may be welded orroll-crimped to the second lip 352. An o-ring (not shown) may be engagedto the flange 312, for providing a secure fit between the flange 312 andhousing 314.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the pressure regulator 16 regulates the systempressure within the fuel pump 26. The suction filter 18 may be connectedto the inlet 32 of the fuel pump 26 and draws fuel from the fuel tank 20and into the housing 14. The suction filter 18 filters the fuel as it isdrawn into the housing 14 from the fuel tank 20 for protecting the fuelinjectors, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The suction filter 18includes an internal frame member, allowing the suction filter 18 to beformed into a particular shape beneficial for the intake of fuel.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the internal frame member can be formedin a number of different arrangements based upon a desired function. InFIG. 1, the suction filter 18 may be formed to include an arch extendingaway from the housing 14 and a flat portion for positioning on the floorof the fuel tank 20 or in close proximity to the floor of the fuel tank20. The positioning of the suction filter 18 on the floor of the fueltank 20, allows the suction filter 18 to perform a wicking function fordrawing fuel into the suction filter 18 during the intake of fuel. Inaddition, the design of the suction filter 18, allows the flange 12 andhousing 14 to be suspended above the floor of the fuel tank 20.Alternatively, the suction filter 18 includes an arch that is similar toan “A-shape,” wherein the highest point on the suction filter 18 isattached to the inlet 32 and the two opposite ends of the suction filter18 are disposed on the gas tank 20 floor, or in close proximity to thefloor.

As shown in FIG. 8, the fuel pump 26 contains an inlet 32 for receiving,fuel that has previously been filtered by the suction filter 18. Thesuction filter 18 provides a first filtering of the fuel from the tank20 for protecting the fuel pump 26. The fuel is drawn through thesuction filter 18, through the inlet 32, and deposited within thehousing 14. The fuel is then drawn through the fuel filter 28, thusfiltering the fuel, before the fuel is pumped to the fuel injectors.

The flange 12 and housing 14 substantially fit within the fuel tank 20,and are suspended above the floor of the fuel tank 20. The suctionfilter 18 may touch the floor of the fuel tank 20, while the housing 14and pressure regulator 32 are suspended above the floor. Alternatively,the suction filter 18 is in close proximity to the floor of the fueltank 20, while the housing 14 and pressure regulator 32 are suspendedabove the floor.

Referring to FIGS. 9, 10, and 11, the fuel tank assembly 10 is shownaccording to an exemplary embodiment to include a fuel reservoir 40positioned on the floor of the fuel tank 20. According to an aspect ofthe present invention, the fuel reservoir 40 can be an integrally moldedor formed cavity or partition extending upward from the floor of thefuel tank 10, and following a path that generally encircles the fuelpump assembly 10. The fuel reservoir 40 may extend from a side wall ofthe fuel tank 20 and encloses the fuel pump assembly 10 against the sidewall. According to a another exemplary embodiment, the fuel reservoir 40extends from one side wall to another side wall of the fuel tank 20 andencloses the fuel pump assembly 10 in a corner of the fuel tank 20. Inaccordance with another aspect of the present invention, the fuelreservoir 40 also includes at least one channel 42 for receiving atleast one remote inlet of the pump (not shown).

The fuel reservoir 40 depicted in FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 is vital inpreventing damage to the fuel pump 26, and vital engine components. Forexample, when a vehicle is low on fuel and travels around a curve, thesmall amount of fuel within the fuel tank 20 will be forced to the sideof the fuel tank 20 away from the curve. In many instances, this removesgas from the suction filter 18 or pump inlet 32, thus preventing gasfrom entering the fuel pump 26. When gas does not enter the fuel pump26, the fuel pump 26 still operates, but without the fuel that serves asecondary purpose as a type of lubricant to reduce wear on a pump'sinternal compartments, providing a liquid surface boundary. As the fuelpump 26 has no fuel to pump throughout the system, the engine has nofuel to use in the combustion process, resulting in no fuel or a lessthan adequate amount of fuel to be expelled into the combustion chamber,possibly resulting in a misfire.

The fuel reservoir 40 prevents all of the gas from freely flowing withinthe fuel tank 20. The fuel reservoir 40 keeps an adequate amount of fuelwithin the reservoir 40, allowing the fuel pump 26 to pump fuel throughthe fuel pump 26 and into the engine. Because of the fuel reservoir 40,fuel is in close proximity to the suction filter 18 or inlet 32, evenwhen a car makes a sharp turn, or other maneuver that would affect thegas within the fuel tank 20.

According to either exemplary embodiment, the floor of the fuel tank 10may be sloped downward in the direction of the fuel pump assembly 10. Inaddition, the fuel reservoir 40 includes a passage allowing fuel toenter an accumulated or “pooled” area. According to an aspect of thepresent invention, the passage can be formed by the height of the fuelreservoir 40 generally decreasing along the path and becoming negligibleas the path approaches the side wall of the fuel tank 20. As a result,fuel will flow around the fuel reservoir 40 and into an area enclosed bythe fuel reservoir 40. Furthermore, the fuel reservoir 40 is arranged toretain a quantity of fuel within an area defined by the path. Thisarrangement is relevant when small quantities of fuel remain in the fueltank 20 as the floor and the fuel reservoir 40 ensure that fuel remainsavailable to suction filter 18, without the use of a reservoir withinthe tank.

The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature, and thusvariations that do not depart from the gist of the invention areintended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations arenot to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

1. A fuel tank assembly comprising: a fuel tank including a plurality ofwalls defining an inner volume; a flange extending from one of saidplurality of walls and including a first surface defining an openinginto said inner volume and a second surface formed on an opposite sideof said flange from said first surface and opposing at least one of saidplurality of walls within said inner volume; and a fuel pump assemblyincluding a housing encircling said flange to attach said fuel pumpassembly to said flange at said second surface.
 2. The fuel tankassembly of claim 1, further comprising a crimp ring that engages saidflange and said housing to attach said housing to said flange.
 3. Thefuel tank assembly of claim 1, wherein said flange is formed from adifferent material than said housing.
 4. The fuel tank assembly of claim1, wherein said flange is formed from metal and said housing is formedfrom at least one of a plastic material and a composite material.
 5. Thefuel tank assembly of claim 1, wherein said flange and said housing areformed from the same material.
 6. The fuel tank assembly of claim 1,wherein said housing is disposed between said second surface and saidplurality of walls when said housing is attached to said second surfacewithin said inner volume.
 7. The fuel tank assembly of claim 1, whereinsaid flange includes a lip and said housing includes a crimp ring, saidcrimp ring engaging said lip to attach said housing to said flange. 8.The fuel tank assembly of claim 1, wherein said flange includes a firstlip and said housing includes a second lip, said second lip engagingsaid first lip to attach said housing to said flange.
 9. The fuel tankassembly of claim 1, further comprising a seal disposed between saidsecond surface and said housing.
 10. The fuel tank assembly of claim 1,wherein said first surface and said second surface cooperate to providesaid flange with a substantially cylindrical shape.
 11. A fuel tankassembly comprising: a fuel tank including a plurality of walls definingan inner volume; a flange extending from one of said plurality of wallsand including a first surface defining an opening into said inner volumeand a second surface formed on an opposite side of said flange from saidfirst surface and opposing at least one of said plurality of wallswithin said inner volume; and a fuel pump assembly including a housingattached to said flange at said second surface such that said housing isdisposed between said second surface and said walls of said fuel tankwhen said housing is attached to said flange.
 12. The fuel tank assemblyof claim 11, further comprising a crimp ring that engages said flangeand said housing to attach said housing to said flange.
 13. The fueltank assembly of claim 11, wherein said flange is formed from adifferent material than said housing.
 14. The fuel tank assembly ofclaim 11, wherein said flange is formed from metal and said housing isformed from at least one of a plastic material and a composite material.15. The fuel tank assembly of claim 11, wherein said flange and saidhousing are formed from the same material.
 16. The fuel tank assembly ofclaim 11, wherein said housing encircles said flange at said secondsurface.
 17. The fuel tank assembly of claim 11, wherein said flangeincludes a lip and said housing includes a crimp ring, said crimp ringengaging said lip to attach said housing to said flange.
 18. The fueltank assembly of claim 11, wherein said flange includes a first lip andsaid housing includes a second lip, said second lip engaging said firstlip to attach said housing to said flange.
 19. The fuel tank assembly ofclaim 11, further comprising a seal disposed between said second surfaceand said housing.
 20. The fuel tank assembly of claim 11, wherein saidfirst surface and said second surface cooperate to provide said flangewith a substantially cylindrical shape.